Focus on Films’ Spirituality

A now-annual film festival run by Protestant and Catholic organizers opens next weekend at the Directors Guild of America amid other Hollywood-related events with religious sponsors.

The City of Angels Film Festival, begun four years ago by Fuller Theological Seminary and soon joined by Catholics in Media Associates and other faith groups, will open next Friday with 5 and 7 p.m. showings of Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 comedy, “City Lights.”

The three-day festival, specializing in retrospectives, is designed to foster dialogue among filmmakers, clergy, laity and moviegoers concerning films that raise spiritual and moral questions. “Zoot Suit,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Taxi Driver” are among films to be shown with panel discussions afterward.

Even as some religious groups call for boycotts of Hollywood studios and TV networks, others seek to honor what they feel are the uplifting qualities of selected major productions. More than 500 people attended the Catholics in Media Associates’ annual Mass and awards ceremony last Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony noted the presence of actor Kevin Anderson, who plays a priest in ABC’s controversial “Nothing Sacred.” Mahony said that if anything, the television drama has focused national attention on the struggles of priests.

The top award at the ceremony went to “Ulee’s Gold,” starring Peter Fonda.

“Ulee’s Gold” is also one of five nominees announced this week by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles for its awards luncheon to take place Nov. 14.

Other nominees are “Contact,” “Paradise Road,” “Marvin’s Room” and “Seven Years in Tibet.” This is the second year of the church’s annual “spiritual quest” award.